Picture Rocks Wash Loop Trail is a lovely trail located in Saguaro National Park West, about a 10 minute drive from JTH Tucson.
This area is experiencing a beautiful poppy bloom this year, and Picture Rocks Wash Loop is a great spot to enjoy springtime wildflowers. Also located along the trail are petroglyphs, the namesake rock-art of the Picture Rocks area.
Hohokam people carved more than 140 petroglyphs on the rocks along this trail. These ancient carvings may be 1000 years old, as it is thought that these petroglyphs were carved between the years 800 and 1300. Most of the shapes are depictions of anthropomorphs (human-like shapes that may represent people or deities), animals, and geometric designs.
Trail Info for Picture Rocks Wash Loop Trail
Length
The route is a 2.7 mile loop. While this trail is flat and rated as easy, you should be aware that you will be walking through a wash with loose rocks and sand.
Picture Rocks Loop Trail connects to other trails in the region, including Ringtail Trail. It can be a bit difficult to follow, so we recommend downloading the AllTrails map before you go.
How to Access
Picture Rocks Loop Wash Trail is located off Picture Rocks Road, outside of the main loop of Saguaro National Park West. Although the parking area is not marked as park land, it is still part of the National Park. So be sure to stop by the ranger station to get a pass. There is a $20 fee per vehicle for entry into Saguaro National Park.
What to Bring
As always when exploring in the desert, it’s important to carry enough water for yourself and everyone in your party. Generally, you want 17 oz. of water for every hour you’re on a trail. You’ll find large ½ gallon green Stanley thermoses in the JTH Tucson pantry to borrow for your trek. Add some ice and fill them with water before heading out into the desert.
This trail doesn’t have much shade, so be sure to lather up in sunscreen and pack your favorite sunhat. You’ll need sturdy closed toed hiking shoes to help keep your grip on loose rocks.
A Few Notes
If you are visiting during poppy season, take special care not to trample or pick the poppies or other wildflowers. Wildflowers used to blanket the west, and now are really only found in protected pockets. They need the actual flower in order to seed- so it is important to protect them in order to enjoy them in the future!
When viewing petroglyphs, please be respectful of this ancient art. Never climb the rocks, or touch the carvings as the oils in your skin may damage the carvings. Making rubbings of the petroglyphs should also be avoided as it can damage them.
Always remember to leave no trace: take only photographs, leave only footprints, pack out what you pack in, and stay on designated trails to help preserve the fragile ecosystem.
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Check out some of our other trail guides for some of our other favorite hikes in the west side of Tucson, AZ: Hugh Norris Trail, & Valley View Trail.
